It’s back: Walker Cultural Leader series opens doors for arts students and the public

Posted by jeff
on Sep 11th, 2013 and filed under Top stories.
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A major series of cultural events, workshops and performances is returning this fall to Brock University, providing new learning experiences for students and, in many cases, to the public at large.

The second Walker Cultural Leader Series will see leading artists, performers and academics convene more than a dozen events in disciplines ranging from filmmaking to classical music to theatre and its critical reception and social roles. The events will take place on campus as well as in the community.

The series will also feature public presentations by:• Patrice Baldwin, a world leader in Drama, Education and the Arts in learning• David Walden, former Secretary-General, Canadian Commission of UNESCO
• acclaimed Canadian artist Althea Thauberger
• Princeton University professor and prominent feminist theatre critic/blogger Jill Dolan
• a masterclass and performance by the celebrated Canadian group, Ensemble Vivant

The series is being funded thanks to the Marilyn I. Walker Fund, an endowment created in 2008, when Dr. Marilyn Walker donated $15 million to Brock’s School of Fine and Performing Arts.

Derek Knight, director of the Walker School, said the main objective of the series is to engage students, but pointed out many sessions are open to the community.

“The new series is committed to inviting a variety of preeminent guest speakers,” said Knight. “It will be engaging, lively and erudite. These sessions celebrate professional achievement, artistic endeavour and the indelible role of culture in our society.”

Douglas Kneale, Dean of Humanities at the University, said the initiative is another step forward for Brock on the academic, cultural and community fronts.

“Thanks to the generosity of Marilyn I. Walker, we are able to offer students unique interactions with creative leaders in the fine and performing arts, and also extend to the community educational and cultural opportunities that will be enormously enriching.”

The Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts is comprised of the departments of Dramatic Arts, Music, Visual Arts, and the Centre for Studies in Arts & Culture.

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2013-14 Walker Cultural Leader Series:

David Jalbert

David Jalbert

Pianist David Jalbert performs regularly as a soloist and recitalist across North America and Europe. Jalbert will present a recital of Bach’s masterpiece, The Goldberg Variations, as well as conduct a masterclass for Brock piano students.

Sept. 20, Public Performance: J.S. Bach’s The Goldberg Variations, 7:30 pm, Sean O’Sullivan Theatre, Brock University (free to MIWSFPA students; adults $15.04; seniors and students $10; eyeGo high school program $5; prices do not include HST) Tickets available at the Centre for the Arts Box Office: 905 688 5550 x 3257 or visit Arts.BrockU.ca

Patrice Baldwin

Patrice Baldwin

Patrice Baldwin is a world leader in Drama, Education and the Arts in learning, and their connections to the latest developments in Neuroscience. Baldwin will spend eight days teaching, speaking, and giving demonstration classes at Brock and throughout the Niagara peninsula.

David A. Walden

David A. Walden

A long-time senior manager in the Canadian cultural sector, David Walden recently retired as Secretary-General, Canadian Commission for UNESCO. Walden will present two public talks: one on the role of culture in international development, and the other on Canadian cultural property legislation.

Oct. 23, Public Lecture: “Culture and Development - The Missing Link,” 7:30 pm, Sankey Chambers, Brock University (free community event)

Oct. 24, Public Lecture: “Art, Taxes, and the Public Good - how Canadian cultural property rules help artists, collectors, museums, and the public,” 7 pm, Rodman Hall Art Centre, 109 St. Paul Cres., St. Catharines, ON (free community event)

Althea Thauberger

Althea Thauberger

Althea Thauberger is an artist based in Vancouver, BC. She was a 2011 finalist for the Grange Prize and her work is represented by Susan Hobbs Gallery, Toronto. Visual Arts students will have the opportunity to collaborate with Thauberger to produce an experimental documentary video on the future move of the Walker School to downtown St. Catharines, ending with a public screening and discussion.

Jill Dolan

Jill Dolan

Jill Dolan is the Annan Professor of English and Professor of Theater at Princeton University, where she also directs the Program in Gender and Sexuality Studies. Dolan will give a masterclass in online arts criticism, as well as a public lecture on “Moving the Body Politic: How Feminism and Theatre Inspire Social Re-imaginings.” She will participate in a colloquium and open roundtable on the changing face of arts criticism in the digital age.

Feb. 21, Public Lecture: “Moving the Body Politic: How Feminism and Theatre Inspire Social Re-imaginings,” 10 am, Sankey Chambers, Brock University (free community event) Presented in association with the Department of Dramatic Arts and the Centre for Women’s and Gender Studies

Ensemble Vivant

Ensemble Vivant

Ensemble Vivant have recorded for such labels as Fanfare, Pro Arte, Doremi, SPY and Opening Day/Universal and Opening Day Entertainment Group, and their recordings are heard on classical radio around the world. Under the direction of Catherine Wilson, Ensemble Vivant will present a concert with commentary on The Fugue, as well as give a masterclass on small ensemble playing for Brock music students.

Mar. 28, Public Performance: The Fugue, 7:30 pm, Sean O’Sullivan Theatre, Brock University (free to MIWSFPA students; adults $15.04; seniors and students $10; eyeGo high school program $5; prices do not include HST) Tickets available at the Centre for the Arts Box Office, 905.688.5550, x 3257 or visit Arts.BrockU.ca